Isle of Wight based Creative producer Tracy Mikich and artist Teresa Grimaldi recently visited Cyprus to learn a variety of traditional skills, including making mosaics, icon painting, and crochet, as part of a Grampus Heritage and Erasmus+ training programme.
The program, hosted by Kato Drys Community Council, uses art and craft as a way to bring people from different backgrounds together and as a mechanism for raising awareness of sustainability issues. It focuses on the use of natural and recycled materials to help promote better understanding of environmental, cultural, economic and social sustainability.
The training was based in a former olive mill in the village of Pano Lefkara, located on the southern slopes of the Troodos Mountains.
The name Lefkara means white mountains in Greek, and the village is known for its traditional Lefkaritika embroidery, a delicate embroidery style with Venetian and Italian influences that dates back to the 14th century. Lefkara lacework is now inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible World Heritage List.
One of the teachers training programme was Panayiota Demetriou, the chief pleumista (lacemaker) of Kato Drys, a neighboring lacemaking village.
Tracy said,
“Panayiota’s expertise in this ancient craft combined with her passion for preserving heritage skills as well as her playful sense of humour was contagious. We were also lucky as Panayiota cooked us a traditional clay oven meal.”
The group of six students including a recent art graduate, environmentalist and teacher, came from across the UK. They participated in the activities, which offered intergenerational learning in a historic setting through a series of workshops over three weeks. Additionally, the students took several cultural trips to museums, galleries, and heritage sites.
Teresa Grimaldi said,
“Participation in the Grampus Heritage course has given me time to fully engage with and appreciate the crafts and traditions of Cyprus.
“The skills I have learned are transferable, and I intend to incorporate them into my practice helping to keep these traditions alive.”
Tracy added,
“The experience was a masterclass in placemaking. The group was immersed in activities aimed at generating a feel for the history and culture of Cyprus. The authenticity and detail really helped to forge a connection to this incredible Island. In addition, we visited the Larnaca Biennale, whose theme this year was ‘Home Away From Home.’ This seemed particularly relevant, exploring definitions of belonging from the deep-rooted to the distant.
Clark: Unique and valuable opportunity to learn traditional Cypriot skills and crafts
Martin Clark, Director of Grampus Heritage said,
“The Grampus Heritage training programme is a unique and valuable opportunity for people to learn traditional Cypriot skills and crafts in a culturally immersive setting.
“I am confident that the skills and knowledge that Tracy and Teresa have gained will be used to create innovative and inspiring work that will help to keep these traditions alive and relevant for future generations.”
Hear about their experiences
Tracy and Teresa will be hosting an evening at Boojum&Snark, 105 High Street, Sandown on Thursday 30 November 7-9pm to share their recent experiences.
Grampus Heritage
Grampus Heritage is a non-profit organisation that works to promote and preserve traditional Cypriot culture. The organisation offers a variety of training programmes and workshops on traditional crafts and skills.
Tracy Mikich
Tracy is a creative producer who promotes art and creativity as a way of effecting social change and improving well being.
Teresa Grimaldi
Teresa is an artist who works in a variety of media, including painting, sculpture, and installation. She is interested in exploring folklore and outsider narratives.
News shared by Tracy, in her own words, Ed
